The Women’s March 2.0

A sign reading “She carried me for nine months, the least I can do is walk”

Just over a year ago, President Trump took office. In defiance, women took to the streets in protest, and the tradition of the Women’s March began. On January 21st, 2017, in Washington DC, people congregated to protest President Trump, his policies, and the allegations of sexual harassment directed towards him. These protesters were joined by people all over the country, including right here in Seattle.

On January 20th, 2018, people from all over Western Washington gathered in Seattle and took to the streets once again. They were joined by people in major cities across the United States, as well as Mar-a-Lago, an estate owned by President Trump in Florida. The pre-march rally started at 10:00 am in Cal Anderson Park, and people started marching at 11:30. Tens of thousands of protesters walked from the park to the Seattle Center, just over a mile and a half.

Marchers taking pictures of the procession directly before it started

The Women’s March 2.0, as it has been called, was more than a protest about women. It was an expression of outrage at the plethora of issues in today’s world, including police brutality, sexism, racism, women’s rights, and the legislation (or lack thereof) that allows these issues to permeate our society. Perhaps most notable was the alliance with “Power to the Polls,” a movement encouraging people to express their needs by voting.

The Women’s March was an effective way to demonstrate that people will not be content with current policy. People all over the United States are determined to make a change and they will not stay silent. There is no word on whether there will be a continuation of the tradition.